The Link Between Population Migration and the Role of Economic Sectors in Iranian Provinces

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph. D Student of Geography and Rural Planning, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Rural Planning, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

3 Ph. D Student of Geography and Rural Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Population migration plays a decisive role in economic development and transformation. In situations where regions with high capacities in economic sectors face a continuous population decline, they will gradually lose their economic roles and advantages. In contrast, a high concentration of migration in any region will weaken infrastructure and put pressure on water resources and the environment. The research was quantitative and applied research. Population migration information was also conducted in the form of a two-by-two paired matrix in Gephi. ArcGIS and SPSS were also used for spatial and statistical analyses. The research findings show that the central provinces in our country, especially the provinces of Tehran, Alborz, Isfahan, and Khorasan Razavi, are the most important centers of population migration. The relationship between the centrality of population input and economic growth in the activities of the financial services, business, and public services sectors is positive and significant. These economic sectors have the greatest impact on shaping population flows. In contrast, economic activities related to agriculture, industry, and mining have a negative impact on the population migration process. In the continuation and effectiveness of these effects, it is possible to change or weaken the economic role of the provinces of our country from the agricultural, industrial, and mining sectors to the service sectors. This can affect the capabilities and capacities of these regions. Therefore, designing coherent spatial policies requires understanding the two-way links and strengthening the development infrastructure in the provinces of our country.

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Main Subjects

References

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Geography and Development
Volume 24, Issue 84 - Serial Number 84
September 2026
Pages 175-196

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 July 2025
  • Revise Date: 18 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 21 October 2025

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